Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad

The Story Behind the Recipe

Every now and then, a recipe comes along that feels like a breath of fresh air — light, tangy, creamy, and satisfying all at once. That’s exactly how I feel about this Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad. It’s cool, refreshing, and just bursting with Mediterranean goodness.

The first time I made it was during a particularly hot summer afternoon. You know those days when you don’t want to turn on the stove, but you still want something hearty and full of flavor? I had leftover grilled chicken from the night before, a tub of Greek yogurt in the fridge, and a few cucumbers that were starting to look at me funny.

I decided to mix them together with a squeeze of lemon, some garlic, and a handful of herbs — and that’s how it happened. One bite, and I was hooked. The creamy tang of tzatziki paired with the juicy chicken, the crunch of fresh veggies, and the brightness of dill… it was absolute magic.

Now it’s one of my go-to dishes for lunches, picnics, and easy dinners. It’s everything I love about Greek food — simple, fresh, and full of sunshine — all in one bowl. Whether you scoop it into pita bread, serve it over greens, or enjoy it straight from the fridge, this Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad always hits the spot.

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What Makes This Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe Special

This isn’t your average chicken salad — it’s a Mediterranean dream in a bowl. Here’s why Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad stands out:

• Light yet satisfying: The Greek yogurt-based tzatziki gives it creaminess without heaviness.
• Incredibly fresh: Crisp cucumbers, lemon juice, and herbs make every bite refreshing.
• Packed with protein: Greek yogurt and chicken make it filling and energizing.
• Perfect for meal prep: It keeps beautifully and actually tastes better the next day.
• Versatile: Serve it in wraps, pitas, or bowls — it fits any mood or occasion.

It’s like summer comfort food — bright, wholesome, and made for sharing.

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Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor

For the Tzatziki Dressing

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
• ½ cucumber, grated and drained of excess water
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Tip: Draining the cucumber is key — it keeps your Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad creamy and not watery. Just grate it, squeeze out the moisture with paper towels, and you’re good to go.

For the Chicken Salad

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded or diced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or parsley (for garnish)

Pro Tip: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here — tender, juicy, and convenient.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Make the Tzatziki Dressing

In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, zest, and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Whisk until creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust — more lemon for tang, more garlic for boldness, or a drizzle of olive oil for richness.

Chef’s Note: This tzatziki is so good you’ll want to dip everything in it — keep a little extra aside for serving!

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Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

If you’re starting with raw chicken, you can:

Grill it:
Marinate chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and oregano for 30 minutes. Grill over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side, then cool and chop.

Bake it:
Roast seasoned chicken breasts at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes. Let cool, then shred or dice.

Use leftovers or rotisserie:
Quick, easy, and flavorful — just make sure it’s well chilled before mixing.

Flavor Trick: Warm chicken absorbs dressing better, giving your Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad an extra layer of flavor.

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Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken, chopped red onion, diced cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. Gently toss everything together to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Kitchen Tip: Keep it colorful — the more vibrant your veggies, the more appetizing your salad will look.

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Step 4: Add the Tzatziki Dressing

Pour the creamy tzatziki dressing over the salad ingredients. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.

You want it to be creamy but not drowning in dressing — it should just cling to every piece of chicken and vegetable.

Pro Tip: Chill it for 30 minutes before serving — it lets the garlic and lemon flavors meld perfectly.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad to a serving bowl. Garnish with extra dill, parsley, or a few crumbles of feta for that finishing touch.

Serve cold or at room temperature.

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Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With

This Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad is endlessly versatile — it’s delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with so many sides.

🥗 1. Classic Bowl

Serve it over a bed of crisp greens like romaine or arugula for a light, protein-packed lunch.

🥙 2. Pita Pockets

Spoon it into warm pita bread with lettuce and a few extra slices of cucumber for a Greek-inspired sandwich.

🍚 3. Grain Bowl

Serve over quinoa, couscous, or rice with roasted veggies for a hearty meal.

🧆 4. Mezze Platter

Pair it with hummus, olives, dolmas, and pita chips for an easy Mediterranean spread.

🧺 5. Picnic Favorite

Pack it cold for picnics or road trips — it travels beautifully and stays fresh for hours.

Meal Prep Magic: Divide it into containers with some pita or greens on the side — it’s an ideal grab-and-go lunch.

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Customization & Variations

The best part about this Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad is how easy it is to tweak to your liking.

🍋 Extra Bright

Add more lemon juice or zest for a citrusy punch.

🥑 Creamy Twist

Add half an avocado for a richer, silky texture.

🌶 Spicy Mediterranean

Mix in a pinch of cayenne or a drizzle of harissa for heat.

🧀 Cheese Lover’s Version

Try adding crumbled goat cheese or a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra creaminess.

🧄 Herby Delight

Add mint, basil, or chives along with dill for a layered herbal flavor.

🍗 Roasted Veg Boost

Roasted red peppers or grilled zucchini make excellent add-ins that give your salad a smoky note.

Pro Tip: Double the tzatziki dressing and use it as a dip for pita or grilled veggies later in the week.

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Storing & Reheating

🧊 Storing

Store Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors get better as they sit!

🔥 Reheating

No need to reheat — it’s meant to be served cold or slightly chilled.

❄️ Freezing

Not recommended — the yogurt dressing doesn’t hold up well when thawed.

Make-Ahead Tip: Keep the tzatziki dressing separate from the salad until serving to maintain texture.

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Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)

Here Are The Nutritional Snapshot Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

(Serves 4)

• Calories: 330
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 410mg

Light yet filling, this Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad is high in protein and rich in healthy fats — the perfect balance of clean eating and pure comfort.

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Reader Q&A – Common Questions

1. Can I use store-bought tzatziki?

Yes, but homemade has more freshness and flavor.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Thighs are juicier and work beautifully in this recipe.

3. How long does it last in the fridge?

Up to 4 days in an airtight container.

4. Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu.

5. Can I add pasta to make it a pasta salad?

Absolutely — cooked orzo or penne works great.

6. What’s the best yogurt to use?

Plain Greek yogurt — full-fat for richness or low-fat for a lighter version.

7. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, just reduce the quantity by half since dried herbs are stronger.

8. Can I make it dairy-free?

Use a plant-based yogurt and skip the feta.

9. What can I serve with it?

Pita bread, hummus, roasted potatoes, or a fresh tomato salad.

10. Can I meal prep it ahead of time?

Yes! Just store dressing separately and mix before serving.

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Final Thoughts 🍽️

If you’re looking for a dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and comforting all at once, you can’t go wrong with Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad. It’s the perfect mix of creamy, tangy, and satisfying — a dish that feels indulgent but is secretly healthy.

It’s everything you love about Greek flavors — lemon, herbs, olive oil, and garlic — wrapped up in one refreshing bowl. Whether it’s a summer lunch, a picnic, or just your new favorite weeknight meal, this recipe always delivers.

It’s the kind of salad that’ll make you crave seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

💛 Tried This Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe?

If you make Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad, don’t forget to share your photos and tag me on Pinterest at grannyslilkitchen — where every recipe is made with love and a little splash of sunshine.